In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss the rocket systems currently in service in Russia and we talk to our Defence Insight team about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme.

Newsround: (00:35)

Delivery of the first Sa’ar 6 corvette for the Israeli Navy has been delayed by the industrial impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

In the United States, Textron subsidiary ATAC has been awarded a contract modification to aid the US Navy and Marine Corps, by providing so-called “red air” adversary aircraft for training. 

In Asia, the Taiwanese navy plans to order Harpoon Block II surface-to-surface missiles next year. 

In the naval domain, the Royal Swedish Navy is looking to two mid-life upgrade programmes that are key to the acquisition of its near-future surface and sub-surface capabilities.

And the Royal Netherlands Navy is looking to tackle the impact of the pandemic on its operations asking vessels to remain within 24 hours transit from the nearest hospital for the first week of deployment.

News Focus:

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas talks about the Royal Swedish Navy upgrades programme to the  the Visby-class corvettes and Gotland-class submarines and considers whether the new deliveries will help to counter of deter the Russian threat.

Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the reveal of a lucrative helicopter deal between Italy and Egypt. The Italian manufacturer Leonardo will provide AW149 multirole and AW189 super medium class to Cairo for a cost of over $870 million.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on French company Arquus boosting the production of 6x6 VAB Mk 3 medium weight armoured vehicles. Customers include Tunisia, Lebanon and the French Army.

Deep Dive – F-35 programme update (13:40)

Richard Thomas speaks to Senior Air Analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu to find out the latest on the F-35 programme. Ilker takes a look at the programme background and at the latest reports recently released by both Lockheed Martin and the US Congressional Research Service. 

Interview – Grad rocket systems (27:32)

As the second stage of tests involving the 122mm 9M221F Taifun-1 rocket recently took place in Ukraine, News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan to find out more about grad rocket systems now in service in Russia and  in other countries of the former Soviet Union.

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest